Presidency of Ireland, Council of Europe May - November 2022 - Coe
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Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe Council of Europe, Strasbourg France © Council of Europe 2
Index 05 Introduction by Minister For Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney T.D. 11 Message From Minister For European Affairs Thomas Byrne T.D. 12 Ireland’s Presidency Priorities 13 Programme of Events 17 Ireland’s Permanent Representatives 18 The Council of Europe 20 The European Court OfHuman Rights And The Convention 21 The Treaty System 22 Ireland and the European Court of Human Rights 24 Structure of the Council of Europe
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney T.D. © DFA “the pursuit of peace based upon justice and international cooperation is vital for the preservation of human society and civilisation” 4
May – November 2022 Introduction by Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney T.D. Ireland is honoured to hold the As one of the ten founding members, Presidency of the Committee of Ireland has not forgotten the key role Ministers of the Council of Europe that membership of the Council of once again. While a lot has changed Europe played in shaping our own since Ireland’s most recent Presidency path in European cooperation. Our in 1999-2000, our commitment to participation in the negotiations human rights remains as firm as ever. A in London that culminated in the central pillar of Ireland’s foreign policy, Council of Europe Statute in 1949 it underpins our global engagement. In represented crucial early engagement Strasbourg, Geneva, Brussels and New with the foundations of postwar York, we are proud to raise our voice cooperation. A relatively poor and to champion human rights concerns, geographically peripheral young defend the multilateral system and hold nation, Ireland entered as an equal to account those responsible for human to discussions on the future of the rights violations. European continent. The Russian Federation’s aggression This year will see Ireland hold both the against Ukraine has brought the Presidency of the Council of Europe founding principle of the Council of and a seat on the UN Security Council, Europe into sharp relief; “that the while also preparing to mark our 50th pursuit of peace based upon justice anniversary as an EU member state on and international cooperation is vital 1 January 2023. As a small country, for the preservation of human society Ireland depends on the international and civilisation”. It is clear that the work rules-based order and the multilateral of the Council of Europe, based on the system. The Council of Europe, the promotion and protection of human EU and the UN sit at the heart of that rights, democracy and the rule of law, is system, and therefore can be found at more vital than ever. the heart of Irish foreign policy. 5
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe Across our six-month Presidency term, Ireland will pursue three clear “We are proud to and complementary priorities, with raise our voice to the overarching aim of renewing ‘‘the conscience of Europe’’ in the wake of champion human war on our continent. First, at a time of rights issues of turmoil, we will reaffirm ‘Our Founding Freedoms’, by refocusing on human concern, defend rights protection for civilians across the multilateral Europe, above all through the vital system and to work work of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Second, we will actively to hold accountable promote participatory democracy and those responsible engagement with young people through for human rights ‘Hear Our Voices’, drawing on our own experience with citizens’ assemblies. violations.” Finally, framed within the Irish concept of ‘Fáilte’, we will work to foster a Europe of welcome, inclusion, and diversity. Ireland’s founding membership of the Council of Europe and our Ireland will back these priorities implementation of the European through clear financial commitments. Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) Our increased voluntary helped consolidate the rule of law in our contributions will support the young state and served as a bridge for ongoing work of the Court in us from isolation to integration. Over times of turbulence following the the past seven decades, the Council’s cessation of Russia’s membership fundamental principles of pluralist and secure existing and diverse areas democracy, respect for human rights of work, including the Action Plan and the rule of law have spurred positive for Ukraine, combatting child sexual change across our state and society, exploitation and continuing the fight shaping modern Ireland. Through our to eliminate all forms of gender- Presidency, we hope to aid the Council based violence. in protecting and promoting these vital principles at a time when they are most needed, safeguarding them for the decades and generations to come. 6
May – November 2022 Réamhrá Ón Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha Simon Coveney T.D. Is mór an onóir d’Éirinn Uachtaránacht Mar thír den deichniúr ball bunaidh, Choiste na nAirí ar Chomhairle na níl dearmad déanta ag Éirinn ar an hEorpa ashealbhú arís. Thug ionsaí bpríomhról a bhí ag ballraíocht ar Chónaidhm na Rúise i gcoinne Chomhairle na hEorpa i múnlú ár na hÚcráine faoiseamh géar do mbealach féin i gcomhoibriú Eorpach. phrionsabal bunaidh Chomhairle na B’ionann ár rannpháirtíocht sna hEorpa; “go bhfuil saothrú na síochána caibidlíochtaí i Londain ar tháinig bunaithe ar cheartas agus ar chomhar Reacht Chomhairle na hEorpa chun idirnáisiúnta ríthábhachtach chun an críche i 1949 agus rannpháirtíocht luath tsochaí dhaonna agus an tsibhialtacht ríthábhachtach le bunsraitheanna an a chaomhnú”. Is léir go bhfuil obair chomhair iarchogaidh. Chuaigh Éire, Chomhairle na hEorpa, atá bunaithe náisiún óg atá measartha bocht agus ar chur chun cinn agus cosaint chearta imeallach ó thaobh na tíreolaíochta an duine, an daonlathais agus an de, isteach mar chothrom le plé ar smachta reachta, níos tábhachtaí ná thodhchaí mhór-roinn na hEorpa. riamh. Cé gur tháinig athrú mór ar ár I mbliana beidh Uachtaránacht nUachtaránacht is déanaí i 19992000, Chomhairle na hEorpa ag Éirinn agus tá tiomantas na hÉireann do chearta suíochán ar Chomhairle Slándála na an duine seasmhach i gcónaí. Leanann Náisiúin Aontaithe, mar a rinneamar i sé de bheith ina chrann taca lárnach 2000. Mar thír bheag, braitheann Éire dár mbeartas eachtrach agus is creat ar an ord idirnáisiúnta atá bunaithe ar níos leithne é dár gcur chuige i leith rialacha agus ar an gcóras iltaobhach. Tá rannpháirtíochta domhanda. Táimid Comhairle na hEorpa agus na Náisiúin bródúil as ár nguth a ardú chun Aontaithe ag croílár an chórais sin, agus ceisteanna imní chearta an duine a mar sin is féidir iad a fháil i gcroílár chosaint, chun an córas iltaobhach bheartas eachtrach na hÉireann. a chosaint agus chun oibriú chun iad siúd atá freagrach as sáruithe ar chearta an duine a bheith cuntasach. 7
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe Tá sé mar aidhm ag tosaíochtaí na Bhí ballraíocht bhunaidh na hÉireann hÉireann dár nUachtaránacht sé mhí ar Chomhairle na hEorpa agus ár gcur i tacaíocht a thabhairt d’obair leanúnach bhfeidhm ar an gCoinbhinsiún Eorpach na Cúirte Eorpaí um Chearta an Duine um Chearta an Duine thar a bheith (ECtHR) agus institiúidí Chomhairle cabhrach chun an smacht reachta na hEorpa agus iad a chur chun cinn. a chomhdhlúthú agus chun tacú le Díríonn an chéad cheann díobh seo, ‘Ár hathrú sóisialta dearfach in Éirinn. Saoirsí Bunaithe’, ar chosaint chearta an Le seachtó mbliana anuas, tá muid duine do shibhialtaigh ar fud na hEorpa treoraithe ag prionsabail bhunúsacha a neartú, agus an ECtHR i gcroílár na na Comhairle maidir le daonlathas cuntasachta do bhallstáit. Díríonn an iolraíoch, meas ar chearta an duine dara ceann, ‘Eistigí linn’, ar chur chun agus an smacht reachta. Tá súil againn cinn an daonlathais rannpháirtíoch agus go gcuirfidh ár nUachtaránacht rannpháirtíocht le daoine óga. Tá sé le hobair na Comhairle chun na d’aidhm ag an tríú tosaíocht, ‘Fáilte’, cur prionsabail seo a chosaint ar feadh na níos mó le cothú na hEorpa fáilteach, mblianta agus na glúnta atá le teacht. cuimsitheachta agus éagsúlachta. Tacóidh Éire leis na tosaíochtaí sin trí ghealltanais airgeadais shoiléire. Tacóidh ár ranníocaíochtaí deonacha méadaithe le hobair leanúnach na Cúirte in am an chruacháis airgeadais tar éis scor de bhallraíocht na Rúise agus shlánóidh sí réimsí oibre atá ann cheana féin agus réimsí éagsúla oibre, lena n-áirítear an Plean Gníomhaíochta don Úcráin, dúshaothrú gnéasach leanaí a chomhrac agus leanúint leis an gcomhrac chun deireadh a chur le gach ceann díobh. foirmeacha foréigin inscne. 8
May – November 2022 Introduction Du Ministre Des Affaires Étrangères Simon Coveney T.D. L’Irlande est fière d’assumer à nouveau la En tant que l’un des dix membres présidence du Comité des Ministres du fondateurs, l’Irlande n’a pas oublié Conseil de l’Europe. Si bien des choses le rôle déterminant que l’adhésion se sont passées depuis la dernière au Conseil de l’Europe a joué dans la présidence de l’Irlande en 1999-2000, conception de notre propre voie en notre engagement en matière de droits matière de coopération européenne. de l’homme reste toujours aussi ferme. Notre participation aux négociations Pilier central de la politique étrangère de Londres, qui ont abouti au statut de l’Irlande, les droits de l’homme sont du Conseil de l’Europe en 1949, a à la base de notre engagement dans le représenté un engagement précoce monde. À Strasbourg, Genève, Bruxelles et crucial dans les fondements de la et New York, nous sommes fiers de coopération d’après-guerre. En tant faire entendre notre voix pour faire que jeune nation relativement pauvre valoir les préoccupations en matière de et géographiquement périphérique, droits de l’homme, défendre le système l’Irlande a participé d’égal à égal aux multilatéral et demander des comptes discussions sur l’avenir du continent aux responsables de violations des droits européen. Cette année, l’Irlande de l’homme.L’agression de la Fédération assumera à la fois la présidence du de Russie contre l’Ukraine a mis en Conseil de l’Europe et occupera un lumière le principe fondateur du Conseil siège au Conseil de sécurité des de l’Europe, à savoir que “la recherche Nations unies, tout en se préparant à d’une paix fondée sur la justice et la célébrer son 50e anniversaire en tant coopération internationale est vitale pour qu’État membre de l’UE le 1er janvier la préservation de la société humaine et 2023. En tant que petit pays, l’Irlande de la civilisation”. Il est clair que le travail dépend de l’ordre international fondé du Conseil de l’Europe, fondé sur la sur des règles et dumultilatéralisme . Le promotion et la protection des droits de Conseil de l’Europe, l’UE et les Nations l’homme, de la démocratie et de l’État de unies sont au coeur de ce système et se droit, est plus vital que jamais. trouvent donc au coeur de la politique étrangère irlandaise 9
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe Au cours des six prochains mois d’action pour l’Ukraine, la lutte contre de notre présidence, l’Irlande l’exploitation sexuelle des enfants et la poursuivra trois priorités claires et poursuite de la lutte pour l’élimination complémentaires, dans le but global de de toutes formes de violence a l’égard renouveler “la conscience de l’Europe” des femmes. dans ce context de guerre sur notre Notre adhésion précoce au Conseil de continent. Tout d’abord, en cette l’Europe et notre mise en oeuvre de périodeagitée , nous réaffirmerons la Convention européenne des droits “nos libertés fondatrices” en nous de l’homme (CEDH) ont contribué à recentrant sur la protection des droits consolider l’État de droit dans notre de l’homme pour les citoyens de toute jeune État et nous ont permis de passer l’Europe, surtout grâce au travail de l’isolement à l’intégration. Au cours essentiel de la Cour européenne des des sept dernières décennies, les droits de l’homme (CEDH).Ensuite, principes fondamentaux du Conseil que , nous ferons la promotion active sont la démocratie pluraliste, le respect de la démocratie participative et de des droits de l’homme et l’État de droit l’engagement des jeunes par le biais de ont suscité des changements positifs “ Entendez nos voix”, en nous appuyant dans notre pays et notre société, sur notre proper expérience des façonnant ainsi l’Irlande moderne. assemblées citoyennes. Enfin, dans le Grâce à notre présidence, nous cadre du concept irlandais de “Fáilte”, espérons aider le Conseil à protéger et nous nous efforcerons de favoriser à promouvoir ces principes vitaux à un une Europe de l’accueil, de l’inclusion moment où ils sont le plusnécessaires, et de la diversité. L’Irlande soutiendra les sauvegardant pour les décennies et ces priorités par des engagements générations à venir. financiers clairs. L’augmentation de nos contributions volontaires permettra de soutenir les travaux actuellement menés par la Cour en cette période de troubles, à la suite de la cessation de l’adhésion de la Russie, et de garantir les domaines de compétence existants et diversifiés, notamment le plan 10
May – November 2022 Message From Minister For European Affairs Thomas Byrne T.D. Ireland is proud to be a founding member Europe, reflecting our shared heritage. of the Council of Europe. Our early An island state, ‘Éire’ - the Irish for engagement with the Council set a tone ‘Ireland’ - sits surrounded by waves , for our still young state to integrate, and forming with the accent – the ‘fada’ - lead, within a continent emerging from over the e , itself echoing the Council of the ashes of war. In the seventy years Europe’s logo. From those shared origins since, “the conscience of Europe”, as our a tide rises, reaching across the coasts President has called it, has spurred us to of the wider continent, reverberating in better serve our citizens. our shared values which the Council of Europe exemplifies. Our Presidency logo reflects the intertwined and indivisible nature of Ireland’s Presidency occurs at a critical Ireland’s bonds within Europe -we juncture as, collectively, we once again are connected by frequencies, by the confront the scourge of war. Working vibrations of our past, the aspirations with our partners at the Council of of our future. The shape of the logo Europe and beyond, we are determined also takes inspiration from the spiral to do all we can during our Presidency motifs in ancient Megalithic art found term to confront the challenge this at Newgrange in Ireland and across presents, supporting Ukraine and all those striving to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across our shared continent. In so doing, we draw inspiration from the Council of Europe’s founding texts and from our own history, reflected in the words of the great Seamus Heaney: “But then, once in a lifetime the longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up, and hope and history rhyme.’’ Let us hope, and Minister for European Affairs strive, for a great sea-change in the Thomas Byrne T.D. © DFA months ahead. 11
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe Ireland’s Presidency Priorities © Alban Hefti • Our Founding Freedoms Did you know? Reinforcing Human Rights The inclusion of ‘‘the and the Protection of Civilians pursuit of peace’’ in the in Europe’ preamble to the Statute • Hear Our Voices of the Council of Europe Promoting participatory was on the initiative of democracy and Ireland’s Foreign Minister youth engagement Seán MacBride, who, as Ireland’s first chair of the • Fáilte Committee of Ministers, Fostering a Europe of welcome, voiced his hope that the inclusion, and diversity Council would ‘‘erect above the tumult an ideal around which the conscience of mankind’’ could rally. 12
May – November 2022 Programme Of Events Policy Programme 19-20 May, Turin 7 June, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg Committee of Ministers. Beginning Seminar on Anti-Muslim of Ireland’s Presidency with handover Discrimination from Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs 14 June, Tralee, Kerry and International Cooperation Mr. Meeting of the Bureau of the Congress Luigi Di Maio to Minister for Foreign of Local and Regional Authorities Affairs Mr. Simon Coveney T.D. 15-17 June, Dublin 23-25 May, University City University, Dublin College Cork, Cork Global Forum on Higher Education Conference on Building a Europe Leadership for Democracy, for and with Children, hosted by Sustainability, and Social Justice Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, 21-24 June, Department Mr. Roderic O’Gorman T.D. of Health, Dublin Executive Training on ‘Substance use, 26-27 May, Galmont Hotel, Galway addictions and online practices’, co- Circom (European Association hosted by the Department of Health of Regional Television) Regional and the Pompidou Group Conference 2022 and award of the ‘Prix Circom’, hosted by Circom 20-24 June, Palais de Regional and TG4 l’Europe, Strasbourg Session of the Parliamentary Assembly 30-31 May, Westin Hotel, Dublin of the Council of Europe (PACE) Bureau and Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the 28 June-1 July, Strasbourg Council of Europe (PACE) Democracy Action Week 13
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe 30 June, Strasbourg 14-15 September, Meath Human Rights Education for Legal Annual Conference of the Association Professionals (HELP) Network of Irish Local Government Annual Conference 15 September, National 30 June, Strasbourg University of Ireland, Galway Human Rights Education for Legal Meeting of the Council of Europe Professionals (HELP) Network Committee of Experts on Roma and Annual Conference Traveller Issues (ADI-ROM) 7-9 July, Dublin Castle, Dublin 16-17 September, National Annual Joint Meeting of the University of Ireland, Galway Governing Board and the Irish Travellers / Mincéirs and the Administrative Council of the Council State 1922 – 2022: the Struggle for of Europe Development Bank hosted Equality conference by Minister for Finance Mr. Paschal 29-30 September, RDS, Dublin Donohoe T.D. and Minister for Foreign Conference of the Ministers Affairs Mr. Simon Coveney T.D. of Justice on Domestic, Sexual August, Strasbourg and Gender-Based Violence Launch of European Heritage Days hosted by Minister for Justice, Ms. Helen McEntee T.D. 1 September, National University of Ireland, Galway October Lighting the Shade: Effective Symposium on application of ECHR in Contested Human Rights Defenders European Territories conference 3-5 October, Farmleigh House, Dublin 13 September, Strasbourg Intergovernmental conference on Venice Commission conference on The Voice and Determination of New Challenges to the Freedom of the Best Interests of Children in Association, with the participation Family Law Proceedings hosted of Minister for European Affairs by Minister for Children, Equality, Mr. Thomas Byrne T.D Disability, Integration and Youth, Mr. Roderic O’Gorman T.D. 14
May – November 2022 4 October, Palais de 3-4 November, Dublin l’Europe, Strasbourg European Congress on Global Centenary of the Irish Civil War: Citizenship Education hosted by a case study for Europe event Minister for Overseas Development and Diaspora Mr. Colm Brophy T.D. 10-14 October, Strasbourg Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of 7-9 November, Palais the Council of Europe (PACE) de l’Europe, Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy and 10-28 October, Palais Presidency handover to Iceland de l’Europe, Strasbourg Conserving our Heartland, an Cultural Calendar exhibition celebrating 40 Years of the 1 June, Place de la Bern Convention in Ireland Republique, Strasbourg 20-21 October, Farmleigh, Dublin Opening Ceremony at Strasbourg Judicial conference between City Hall the President and Bureau of the 9 June, Cinéma Star Saint- European Court of Human Rights Exupéry, Strasbourg and Senior Irish Judiciary, led by Pride month: screening of the Chief Justice of Ireland The Queen of Ireland with 25-27 October, Palais Director Conor Horgan, preceded de l’Europe, Strasbourg by rooftop reception Session of the Congress of Local 15 June, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg and Regional Authorities Jurisprudence of Joyce with Dr Joseph 28 October, Iveagh House, Dublin Hassett and Reverberations: Music and Meeting of the Council of Musings from Joyce’s Dublin with Tale Europe’s working group on sexual of the Gael orientation, gender identity, gender 21 June, Pavillon expression and sex characteristics Josephine, Strasbourg (GT-ADI-SOGI) ‘New Éire’, a celebration of young Irish musicians 15
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe 28 June-28 August, Bibliothèque 25 October, Palais de André Malraux, Strasbourg l’Europe, Strasbourg Exhibition on Following Ulysses by Congress of Local and Regional Deirdre Brennan Authorities culture evening 1-10 July, 5e Lieu, Strasbourg 27-30 October, Théâtre Irish Poetry Jukebox installation du Cube Noir, Strasbourg Performances of She Was Wearing, a 7 September, Musée MAR - APR 2019 IRELAND'S PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE series of nine especially commissioned MAY - NOVEMBER 2022 Tomi Ungerer, Strasbourg monologues which highlight the issue Celebration of Alsatian artist 3-5 October, Dublin – Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth of violence against women Affairs, Roderic O’Gorman, hosts Intergovernmental conference on Upholding the Best and satirist Tomi Ungerer with Interests of Children in Family Law. Minister McEntee will also address the event, which provides an opportunity for Ireland to showcase recent family justice reforms and support the work of the Council of Europe Committee of Experts developing guidance in this area. Aria Ungerer 3 November, Eglise Saint- 10/-11 October, Strasbourg -, Minister Coveney represents the Committee of Ministers at Pierre-le Vieux, Strasbourg the October session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. .The 9 September, Palais de Presidency also hosts a major cultural programme. End of Presidency Samhain céilí and 18 October, Strasbourg - Centenary of the Irish Civil War: a case study for Europe event l’Europe, Strasbourg 20-21 October, Dublin – Judicial conference convened by the Chief Justice, to be attended by culture evening the President of the European Court of Human Rights and Vice-Presidents of the Court. Rentrée: a showcase of Irish music 25 October, Strasbourg - Congress of Local and Regional Authorities October Session, which Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, Peter Burke, will be invited to and dance For further information attend. A cultural event will also take place. please see: 7-9 November, Strasbourg – the World Forum for Democracy co-hosted by the Council of Europe, the City of Strasbourg and civil society. Icelandic Prime Minister and Foreign 5 October, Palais de Minister to attend. Opportunity to conduct the Closing ceremony as Ireland formally hands over to Iceland. l’Europe, Strasbourg https://www.ireland.ie/coe World Mental Health Week: Or scan below for the latest update on Screening of Horrible Creature by our programme of events: For the latest information on our programme of events please see: Director Aine Stapleton, a film based on the life of James Joyce’s daughter, Lucia Joyce 11 October, Aubette Place Kléber, Strasbourg Sounds of Europe, a concert featuring the works of Galuppi, Field, Beethoven, Debussy and Chopin with 8 Mícéal O’Rourke 16
May – November 2022 Ireland’s Permanent Representatives to The Council of Europe One of Ireland’s first female diplomats, Máire Mhac an tSaoi, served as Ireland’s Ambassador to the Council of Europe in 1961. She described the establishment of the Council as “a stage in international progress unimaginable before the last war”. © DFA In 1970 Ambassador Mary Tinney was Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe. She is pictured here with former Secretary General of the Council of Europe Lujo Tončić-Sorinj. © DFA Ambassador Justin Harman was responsible for establishing Ireland’s current office, or Permanent Representation, to the Council of Europe in 1999. © Irish Times Ambassador Breifne O’Reilly is Ireland’s current Permanent Representative. Ambassador O’Reilly’s duties during the Presidency include chairing the Committee of Ministers. © Council of Europe 17
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe The Council of Europe © Council of Europe The Council of Europe is the leading Rights (ECHR). Signed by Ireland in human rights organisation on the 1950, the ECHR was designed to continent. Ireland was one of ten safeguard human rights, democracy founding members of the Council of and the rule of law and has been the Europe in 1949. Ireland established cornerstone of human rights law across a Permanent Representation to the the continent for over seventy years. Council of Europe in Strasbourg in 1999 The European Court of Human Rights under Ambassador Justin Harman. (ECtHR), a subsidiary body of the Council, oversees implementation of The Council of Europe now has 46 the Convention across the Council’s Member States and 5 Observer States. Member States. Each of the Member States is a party to the European Convention on Human 18
May – November 2022 Despite their overlapping use of the of rights and freedoms within the symbols, and their similar-sounding EU. The Council of Europe counts titles, the Council of Europe is an all 27 EU states as members as well entirely separate entity to the European as nineteen additional members, Union. The ECHR is however an including Ukraine, Turkey, Norway, important source for the protection and the United Kingdom. © Council of Europe Did you know? The Council of Europe first designed, adopted and used the iconic European flag in 1955. It was only in 1986 that the European Parliament recommended that the flag be adopted as the emblem of the European Communities. 19
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe The European Court Of Human Rights And The Convention Rights listed in the European Court until 2017 and Ireland has funded Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) the webcasting of proceedings for a are primarily safeguarded through number of years. national courts and ultimately The backlog of cases reached a peak of guaranteed by the European Court of 150,000 in 2012 before reducing to the Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg. current number of 50,000 following the adoption of mechanisms such as pilot judgements, where systematic failings are dealt with by determining a single case. These remedial measures commenced in the context of a series of declarations on the reform of the Court and Convention system signed by Member States, © Council of Europe beginning with the Interlaken Declaration The Court has faced challenges in recent in 2010 and continuing through Brighton, years, notably due to the enormous Izmir, Brussels and Copenhagen in 2018. increase in the number of pending cases, In addition to managing the backlog of after membership of the Council of cases, the reform process has sought to Europe doubled following the accession ensure high quality judgements, improve the of a large number of formerly Communist execution of judgements and clarify the role States in the 1990s. that subsidiarity plays in the justice system. Throughout this process Ireland has been supportive of measures to improve the functioning of the Court, whilst ensuring that its ultimate authority and independence are safeguarded and the rule of law upheld. Former Chief Justice John Murray acted as Chair of an Advisory Judge elected in respect of Ireland Panel on the appointment of judges to the Síofra O’Leary © Council of Europe 20
May – November 2022 The Treaty System The European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) is foundation on which the work of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) is built. © Council of Europe The Council of Europe achieves its mandate of safeguarding human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe through 220 international treaties and agreements. The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is the core instrument within the The European Council of Europe for the protection of Convention of fundamental rights and freedoms. Human Rights (ECHR) © Council of Europe Many of the Council’s treaties can be acceded to by Non-Member States. Treaties often contain monitoring mechanisms which involve expert level country visits followed by reports and implementation evaluations. 21
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe Ireland And The European Court Of Human Rights Ireland has undertaken to secure for adult males. The applicant in this case, everyone within its jurisdiction the Senator David Norris, was a leading rights and freedoms provided for figure in the campaign that resulted in under the European Convention on the marriage equality referendum held in Human Rights. Ireland on 22 May 2015. The first ever decision delivered by the Court concerned an application against Ireland (Lawless v Ireland). When this decision was delivered by the President of the Court, René Cassin, on 1 July 1960, Ireland was just one of 8 parties to the Convention which accepted the binding jurisdiction of the Court in individual applications. The inter-state case of Ireland v Senator David Norris the United Kingdom (1978) had a © Houses of Oireachtas significant impact on the development of the Court’s jurisprudence concerning The applicants in both Airey and Norris the distinction between torture and were represented by Mary Robinson, a inhuman and degrading treatment future President of Ireland and UN High under Article 3 of the Convention. Commissioner for Human Rights. Airey v Ireland (1979) remains a More recently, the case of Bosphorus landmark case relating to the obligation Airways v Ireland (2005) introduced to provide legal aid in certain civil cases the presumption that the protection under Article 6 of the Convention. afforded under EU law to fundamental rights is equivalent to that provided for The case of Norris v Ireland (1988) under the Convention. ultimately resulted in decriminalisation of homosexual acts between consenting 22
May – November 2022 The implementation of the Court’s judgements concerning Ireland continues to act as a catalyst for positive social change in a range of areas, while the Court’s case law has profoundly influenced the interpretation of domestic constitutional guarantees for personal Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights rights and fundamental freedoms. © Irish Examiner The European Court of Human Rights was established in 1959 and has since delivered more than 100,000 judgements. A judge is elected in respect of each of the 46 member states. © Council of Europe Did you know? Ireland was the first state to recognise the compulsory jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights. Ireland was only the second state, after Sweden, to recognise the competence of the Court to receive petitions from any person, NGO or group of individuals claiming to be victim of a violation by one of the contracting parties to the rights set forth in the Convention. 23
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe Structure Of The Council Of Europe The Committee of Ministers’ Deputies meeting in progress. © Council of Europe The Committee of Ministers Budget contributions are calculated The Committee of Ministers is the according to an agreed formula Council’s decision-making body. that considers national income and Comprising the Ministers of Foreign population. Ireland will contribute at Affairs of each member state, it meets least €3.7m to the roughly €500m once a year, typically in May. budget in 2022. Ireland will voluntarily contribute an additional €935,000 this The day-to-day functioning of the Council year to its priority projects, including is carried out by the Committee of support for democratic and judicial Minister’s Deputies (CM), made up of each institutions in Ukraine. member state’s Permanent Representative (Ambassador) in Strasbourg. Four times a year the CM convenes a special meeting on Human Rights - les The CM holds a meeting in Strasbourg réunions Droits de l’homme du Comité most Wednesdays, and its duties des Ministres - or CMDH. Ireland include deciding on Council of Europe chaired the CMDH in the six months policy and approving its budget and leading up to its Presidency. programme of activities. 24
May – November 2022 Committee of Ministers’ Deputies room © Council of Europe These rigorous, three-day meetings also the democratic forums for debates examine judgements handed down on topical issues, presentations on by the European Court of Human monitoring missions to Member States Rights (ECtHR) that have not yet and votes stemming from the findings been implemented by the respondent of its reports. states. The CMDH takes action, as required, to ensure that judgements are implemented. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is composed of parliamentarians from each member state. It holds plenary sessions four times per year, normally in January, April, June and October, where it discusses reports prepared by its nine Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) committees. The plenary sessions are © Council of Europe 25
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe “Ireland is proud to be a founding member of the Council of Europe, and through our Presidency we will reaffirm our commitment to the European spirit of inclusivity, shared values and respect. Democratic values cannot be taken for granted. They must be protected and defended- this is a cornerstone of our presidential priorities. Ní neart go cur le chéile (there is no strength Head of PACE Delegation without unity)” - Head of the Irish PACE Senator Fiona O’Loughlin © Conor McCabe Delegation Senator Fiona O’Loughlin The PACE also elects the Secretary The Congress of Local General of the Council of Europe, and Regional Authorities the Human Rights Commissioner and The Congress of Local and Regional the judges on the European Court of Authorities is responsible for Human Rights. National delegations strengthening local democracy in the must conform to the proportion of Council’s 46 Member States. It brings elected representatives in their national together over 600 elected officials assemblies, and consider gender representing more than 150,000 local balance. The Irish national delegation and regional authorities. Its main may be appointed for the duration of a activities are the monitoring of local Dáil, or on an annual basis. elections and promotion of the Council of Europe’s conventions at a local level. The current Irish delegation consists of four members - Senator Fiona Representatives are appointed for O’Loughlin (Chair), Deputy Dara a five-year term in accordance with Calleary, Senator Paul Gavan and each Member State’s own procedure. Senator Joe O’Reilly – and four Like PACE, Ireland is represented substitute representatives - Senator at Congress by four representatives Lynn Boylan, Senator Róisín Garvey, - Councillors Jimmy Moloney Deputy Emer Higgins and Deputy (Head of Delegation), Gobnait Ni Thomas Pringle. Mhuimneacain, Anne Colgan and John Crowe - and four substitute representatives – Councillors Alan Cheevers, Aisling Moran, Deirdre O’Donovan and Tom Welby. 26
May – November 2022 “I am delighted to reinforce Ireland’s strong identification with the European values of democracy and the rule of law. Such characteristics essential to a civilised society are lived out every day in the service of local authority elected members throughout the member states of the Congress. The Irish delegation with its particular perspective from the western periphery of the continent is determined to play its part in supporting Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of Europe at a time when champions of European values were never more needed.” - Head of the Irish Delegation to the Head of Congress Delegation Congress of Local & Regional Authorities Councillor Jimmy Moloney Councillor Jimmy Moloney © Council of Europe The Council of Europe Development Bank The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is a multilateral development bank with an exclusively social mandate. Through the provision of financing and technical expertise for projects with a high social impact in its member states, it actively promotes social cohesion and strengthens social integration in Europe. Officials from the Department of Finance, led by Minister for Finance and President of the Eurogroup Paschal Donohoe, sit on the Bank’s Administrative Council. 27
Presidency of Ireland of the Council of Europe “Ireland is a founding and much-valued member of the Council of Europe. It assumes the Presidency of our Committee of Ministers at a difficult moment for our continent: a time in which our values are under attack. So, I welcome the priorities that Ireland has chosen for its Presidency. These will help ensure our further impact for the benefit of our 46 member states.” - Secretary General of the Council of Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić Marija Pejčinović Burić © Council of Europe The Secretary General The Commissioner for Human Rights The current Secretary General The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Marija promotes human rights reform and Pejčinović Burić, took up office protection in Council of Europe in September 2019, having been Member States. Dunja Mijatović, elected by PACE the previous June. a national of Bosnia-Herzegovina, She was formerly Croatia’s Deputy who twice held the position of OSCE Prime Minister and Minister for Representative on Freedom of the Foreign and European Affairs. Media, was elected as Commissioner for a six-year term in January 2018. Human Rights Commissioner Dunja Mijatovic ©Council of Europe 28
© Council of Europe
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Permanent Representation of Ireland to the Council of Europe 11 Boulevard du Président Edwards 67000 Strasbourg, France Phone: +33 (0) 144176755 Email: strasbourgce@dfa.Ie
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